Saland Earns Bloomberg’s Praise For Bill To Dismiss Teachers

Sen. Stephen Saland, R-Poughkeepsie, is headed to Gracie Mansion this afternoon to receive plaudits from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

Saland is planning to introduce a bill that would give school superintendents and the New York City schools chancellor the ability to fire teachers in sexual-abuse cases. There have been a number of cases in the city and across the state where a teacher isn’t fired for sexual misconduct, or it takes years to fire a teacher, supporters said.

Bloomberg said in a statement that the bill would be consistent with due process and disciplinary proceedings for nearly all other city employees. He said tenured employees would retain the right to file an appeal with state Supreme Court under Article 78 of the State Civil Practice Law.

Saland and Bloomberg were expected to be joined by New York City Chancellor Dennis Walcott, the state School Boards Association and the state Council of School Superintendents.

“If a school employee is found to have engaged in sexual behavior or made sexual comments towards students, the chancellor should have the final say on what action to take and the legislation we are proposing would provide that authority,” Bloomberg said.

In a statement, Saland, the former Senate Education Committee chairman, said, “Given the grave nature of the cases involving educational professionals who are charged with inappropriate sexual conduct with a student, it is critically important that these charges are addressed in an expedited manner.”

The legislation, which has yet to be introduced, would make school districts the final arbiter in deciding whether a teacher is fired. It’s unclear whether Saland has a sponsor in the Democratic-led Assembly. The proposal is certain to face strong opposition from unions.

Bloomberg has had high praise for Saland previously. Saland was one of four Senate Republicans to back same-sex marriage last year, and he was the critical 32nd vote that lead to its passage.

As a result, Bloomberg, a major backer of same-sex marriage, sent the maximum $10,300 to Saland’s campaign account last year.